Kochi Plays Host to 'Conflicts'
(By Manu P Toms | The New Indian Express | July 27, 2006)
Dr CJ Babu of Rajagiri College of Social Sciences introduces 'Conflicts'. VJ Jose (Greenpeace), Mary Joseph (Vice Principal, Rajagiri College) and Sethu Das (Friends of Tibet) on the dais.
Kalamassery, Kerala: 'Conflicts', the film festival on wheels touring the state, has reached Kochi. The three-day screening of films began at Rajagiri College of Social Sciences on Monday with a glimpse of the clash-ridden facets of life across the world. 'Naata, The Bond' directed by KP Jayashankar and Anjali Monteiro unfolds peace initiatives during the Bombay riots by the neighbourhood communities in Dharavi, the largest slum in Asia, showing a glimmer of hope in worst times. Naata also leaves a feel of Mumbai, the maximum city, and its all encompassing nature.
Prasanna, activist and journalist introduces the film - 'SheWrite' - directed by KP Jayashankar and Anjali Monteiro of Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Bombay.
The film on Tibet, the country in exile, throws up a whole lot of issues ranging from sovereignty to ethnicity and identity. The BBC documentary 'Conflicts: Tibet' brings into focus divergent views on the Chinese occupation of Tibet. Chinese claims of 'reunifying of China' and 'liberation of Tibetan from feudalism' are in constant conflict with the Tibetan perception of the territorial accession as 'cultural genocide'.
KL Mohanavarma, novelist and columnist introduces the film - 'The Basque Ball: Skin Against The Stone' - directed by Julio Medem.
'Miles to Go', a 6000-km journey across India's forgotten backyards turns spotlight on the fight for basic human dignity by a people who have been swept under the carpet of indifference and apathy. Filmed in 24 locations including the tragedy-hit Bjhopal over sixty days 'Miles to Go', according to the reviews, "is one of the most important journeys ever made in this country"
The festival of films, organised by the Nature Club of Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, in association with Design & People, Friends of Tibet and Greenpeace (India) concluded on July 27 with the screening of a documentary 'The Basque Ball: Skin Against The Stone' by Julio Medem.
Conflicts, which has a halt at Fort Kochi, will move on to School of Communications and Management Studies, Kochi on Friday.
Conflicts film-festival was organised by the Nature Club of Rajagiri College of Social Sciences in association with Design & People, Friends of Tibet and Greenpeace (India) at the Rajagiri College, Kalamassery from July 25-27, 2006.
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